The French Department Film Series, "Recent Films from France," begins tonight with L'emploi du temps (Time Out) at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. in 113 Carnegie Building.

The film, which will be shown in French with English subtitles, is based on the true story of a fired executive who conceals his shameful truth and convinces family and friends that he is a United Nations consultant.

A winner of several international awards, Time Out explores "the psychological and social forces that affect employment and unemployment," according to a French department press release.

After an overwhelmingly positive response to the series' first year, a committee of professors and graduate students chose Time Out and five other recent movies for the second season.

"I think in all of the cases Carnegie was overflowing last year," said Rebecca Bressler, a French department administrative assistant. "We've had a lot of feedback from members of the community that they are excited about this year."

Petits Frères (Little Brothers), showing on Oct. 10, tells the story of a runaway girl who joins a group of boys in a housing project.

On Nov. 14, Penn State will host one of the first stateside showings of L'Anglaise et le Duc (The Lady and the Duke), which is currently in French theaters.

The film is based on one woman's journal during the Reign of Terror period of the French Revolution (1793-1794).

The films are shown in one of two on-campus facilities that can accommodate 35 mm films.

"We had to go out and find a licensed 35 mm projectionist," Bressler said.

Various departments, as well as the French Ministry of Culture and other organizations, support the project.

"It costs as much to show the films as it does to get them," said Thomas Hale, head of the French department.

However, admission is free.

Hosting a film series has benefited the French department because many professors have their students attend.

"Film is an important part of course work," Hale said. "It's turning out to be a great thing."

The films also provide a rare opportunity to view foreign cinema in central Pennsylvania.

"If you want to find a movie in French you have to look really hard," Phillip Ponsolle (senior-French) said.

Hale is looking to expand in a larger venue.

"We are hoping that future series can be shown in the new Friedman State Theater. There would be far more space," he said. "It would be a step forward toward diversifying the film culture in State College."

Those who are unaccustomed to non-Hollywood films will notice differences in French cinema.

"They don't cost as much, and directors can be innovative" Hale said.

One of last year's films illustrates the artistic innovation of French films.

Les Glaneurs et la Glaneuse (The Gleaners and I) depicts those who search the fields for leftover crops.

At one point the director, Agnès Varda, films herself in the mirror with a digital camera.

"They (the films) are usually dramas and tend to veer away from science fiction," Ponsolle said. "It seems like they are not afraid of an unhappy ending."

The series reflects a growing use of international films in an academic setting, and there is talk of an interdepartmental film minor.

Currently, the French department, the German department and the Comparative Literature department offer courses about film.